Traffic Control Personnel (TCP)

A Traffic Control Person (TCP) may also be known as a Flag Person, Flagger or Signaller. Their main role is to:

• Stop, slow, and safely direct traffic through work or construction sites.
• Protect workers in the construction zone by regulating traffic flow.
• Give traffic control directions and signals clearly and precisely so that motorists understand their meaning.
• Keep the flow of traffic moving with as few delays as possible.

Only use Traffic Control Persons when other methods of traffic control are not adequate. Always use Barriers, Barricades, Lane Control Devices, Traffic Signal Lights, Sign Trucks, and other methods as appropriate. 

When controlling traffic, as a Traffic Control Person you should:

• Always stay alert. The situation can change very quickly.
• Be visible. Stand where you can see traffic, and be seen by traffic.
• Think ahead and plan your escape route. Know where you will move to if a motorist drives too close.
• Stand “alone.” Do not stand in a group of people, near a vehicle, or other distractions. Drivers must be able to see you clearly.
• Stand the correct distance from the work area. This position will vary with the visibility, speed, and volume of traffic. In general, this spot is halfway between the beginning of the taper or detour zone, and the traffic control warning sign. Do not stand too close to the taper or in the travel lane.
• Keep visual contact with the other Traffic Control Personnel if you are not using radios.
• Work as a team with other Traffic Control Personnel. Always check with the other Traffic Control Person to see if it is safe to allow traffic to move. When two or more Traffic Control Persons are required to work as a team at the worksite, responsibility for the coordination of changes in traffic flow should be assigned to one person.
• Hold the stop/slow sign away from the body, and in the driver’s line of sight.
• Raise your free hand with the palm facing the driver to stop traffic.
• Allow time for the vehicle to stop safely by turning the sign when the vehicle is at an appropriate distance away for the speed it is travelling.
• Move to a safe position after stopping the first vehicle where the incoming next vehicle can see you.
• Be aware of everything going on around you, behind you, in the lane beside you, etc.
• When you are ready to release traffic, return to your position outside the travel lane, confirm with the other traffic control person it is safe to let traffic move, turn the sign to “slow,” and with your free arm, signal to drivers to proceed.
• To slow traffic, extend the slow sign away from your body (but do not wave it), and use your free hand to indicate slow down by moving your hand and forearm in an up and down motion with your palm down.
• Be alert for emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance). These vehicles have priority through the traffic control zone.
• Guide cyclists and pedestrians safely through the zone.
• Cover or remove traffic control warning signs when there are no Traffic Control Persons present.

Email: Info@trustworthytraffic.ca 

Phone: 604-375-4224